Sudan conflict: Air strike on Khartoum kills at least 20
Hundreds have died and millions have been forced from their homes since fighting began in April.
2023-09-04 00:27
What is Merkel cell skin cancer? The signs and symptoms of the rare condition
Jimmy Buffett died aged 76 on Friday (1 September), in hospice care, after a years-long private struggle with skin cancer. In a statement shared on his website, it was announced that the singer, who was best known for his hit song “Margaritaville”, had been fighting Merkel cell skin cancer for four years. Cancer Research UK has recently warned that skin cancer cases are set to rise by half by 2040, with rocketing diagnoses driven by the “cheap package holiday” boom of the 1960s. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Britain and kills around 2,100 people each year. It is also one of the most common cancers in the world. What is Merkel cell skin cancer? Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, it starts in the Merkel cells, which are usually in the top layer of the skin. These cells are near the nerve endings and they help us respond to touch. The charity states that MCC is a “very rare” form of skin cancer, with 1,500 people diagnosed with the condition in England between 1999 and 2008. What are the causes of Merkel cell carcinoma? With most types of skin cancer, long-term exposure to sunlight can increase a person’s risk of getting MCC. Other factors that could increase a person’s risk include being exposed to ultraviolet light, having a condition that can weaken your immune system or having a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). What are the symptoms? MCC usually appears as lumps on the skin. According to Cancer Research UK, the lumps are often a blue/red colour and less than 2cm across but sometimes they can be larger. The skin over them is usually firm and they are not painful. These lumps are often found on the areas of the body that get the most direct sun, such as the head, neck, arms or legs. Unlike most common types of skin cancer, MCC can develop rapidly over weeks or months and can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, lymph nodes, liver or bones. The NHS advises that if you are in doubt, contact your GP. How to prevent developing skin cancer Skin cancer is not always preventable, but you can reduce your chance of developing it by avoiding overexposure to UV light. You can protect yourself from sunburn by using high-factor sunscreen, covering up your skin while in the sun, and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Sunbeds and sunlamps should also be avoided. Read More Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker seen leaving hospital after ‘urgent family matter’ Woman adopts husband’s ex-wife’s baby after growing up in foster care herself ‘People looked at me like I was oppressed in some way’: Young Christians on life in secular Britain How to check if you have skin cancer: Symptoms and signs to look out How many times a week you need to workout to get fit Post Malone shows off 55-pound weight loss in new photos after giving up soda
2023-09-03 23:24
Hubert Aiwanger: Bavarian deputy leader keeps job after antisemitism claims
Firing Hubert Aiwanger would be a disproportionate move, says Bavaria's leader.
2023-09-03 23:23
Madrid residents told to stay indoors as Spanish capital braces for torrential rain
Residents in Madrid were instructed by city authorities to stay indoors Sunday with Storm Dana set to lash the Spanish capital.
2023-09-03 22:57
DeSantis looks for campaign momentum after leading Florida through Hurricane Idalia
Ron DeSantis is expected to turn his focus once again to his White House bid this week and kickstart a post-Labor Day push for the 2024 Republican nomination that will intensify throughout the fall.
2023-09-03 17:23
After 8 major hurricanes in 6 years, some Gulf Coast communities are hitting a 'tipping point'
Hurricane Idalia was the eighth major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in the last six years.
2023-09-03 16:47
Burning Man attendees are still stranded in ankle-deep mud after heavy rains force road closures in the Nevada desert
Tens of thousands of people still can't leave the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert after heavy rains inundated their campsites with ankle-deep mud Saturday -- and more showers are on the way.
2023-09-03 14:26
Florida judge rejects state congressional map championed by DeSantis
A Florida judge on Saturday struck down congressional district lines for northern Florida advocated by Gov. Ron DeSantis, ruling that the Republican governor's map had improperly diluted Black voting power.
2023-09-03 08:53
Johannesburg fire: Hijacks and death traps in a crumbling South African city centre
Criminal gangs 'hijack' buildings in South Africa, and then they burn down. And no-one seems able to stop them.
2023-09-03 07:56
Threats, insults, and Kremlin 'robots': How Russian diplomacy died under Putin
Russian diplomacy is no longer about co-operation but "putting Westerners in their place", say ex-Kremlin insiders.
2023-09-03 07:56
In Japan, your parents do the speed-dating for you
Leaving the young to speed-date doesn't seem to be working in Japan. Their parents are stepping in.
2023-09-03 07:54
Mukesh Ambani succession plan: The new generation taking over from Asia’s richest man
Mukesh Ambani, who heads India's biggest business empire, is preparing to hand over the reins to his children.
2023-09-03 07:53